Nichelle Lewis
Joining us On The Couch this week is powerhouse, Nichelle Lewis, currently starring as Sarah in Lincoln Center Theatre’s Ragtime, opposite Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker, Jr.. Previously, she stole hearts in the National Tour and Broadway run of The Wiz and Hairspray. At heart, Nichelle is a writer, a harmony-obsessor and a proud home-body. She works relentlessly and is still reminding herself not to let perfectionism steal the joy. Read our full interview below.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Honestly? My heated blanket. I don’t use the heat in my apartment because I feel like it
dries out my voice, so I live under that thing all winter. It’s become part of my vocal
health routine — wild, I know.
What was your proudest moment?
When I realized I was doing what I was meant to do. My uncle came to see me in
Hairspray while he was in hospice care. It made him so happy and proud. I cry every
time I think about it — you never really know whose lives you’re touching in the theatre,
and I got to make him smile one of the last times we were together.
What is your favorite drink?
A Shirley temple! Or a boba tea.
What is your favorite food?
Broccoli and cheese casserole.
What is your favorite condiment?
Honey mustard.
What is your current obsession?
Everyone kept telling me to watch The Traitors and now I can’t stop.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Perfectionism. I record myself and take notes every night trying to fix everything. I’m
learning when to let myself just be.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Finally releasing my own music. I’ve been writing seriously since high school and have
so many songs I want to share. I’ve always believed no one is ever truly alone, and that
someone out there has lived what I’ve written about. That connection is what music is
for.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Home decorating. I love a good bath mat or a blanket of some sort — I can’t help
myself.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Again home decorating, home shopping. I’m over here thinking I’m an interior decorator.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
The amount of wall plug-ins I have and probably ignoring my allergies more than I
should. I’m very careful during shows, but outside of them… let’s just say I keep my
EpiPen close.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
To never give up.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I don’t think it’s a bad trait, but I’m a homebody. I love enjoying the rent I pay for.
What in the world most thrills you?
It’s gonna sound so cliche, but writing a good song, a good verse, a good harmony, a
good BRIDGE…. Oooo I love it.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
That weird 6 7 thing. I just don’t get it. But also the injustices and corruption in our
nation… eek.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Just the other day I went to sing one of the most important songs in our show, right
before some crazy things are supposed to happen, and completely fumbled my words.
My brain just went on a run for a second and I had to find my way back. It was…
petrifying.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The UK. I love my friends over there, they are some of the sweetest and some of the
most hardworking people.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Someone who leads with love and intention.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Both!!! I have a huge allergy to cats. But if I wasn’t on Broadway I’d take a Zyrtec and
go adopt five of them!!!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Getting to call my grandmother one more time.
What is your personal motto?
You ride the rollercoaster — don’t let the rollercoaster ride you.
Don’t compete with anyone except yourself.
Lead with love.